Bert Christman

Allen Christman, Larry Dean

(31 May 1915 - 23 January 1942, USA)

Bert Christman was a pilot of the AVG 2nd Squadron (also known as the panda bears), but in civilian life he was a comics artist. He took over the 'Scorchy Smith' aviation comic in 1936 from Noel Sickles, and drew the series for two years. He then joined DC for two years, where the co-created 'The Sandman' with Gardner Fox. Christman drew the 'Sandman' comic under the pseudonym Larry Dean. He then abruptly left the comics field to become a pilot himself. For his squadron, he did several airplane nose paintings. Bert Christman fought against the Japanese in China and Burma and died in action.